Liquid filter assembly, system and methods

ABSTRACT

A filter cartridge includes a key ring with at least first and second protrusions to engage a lock-out assembly in a filter head, permitting the cartridge to connect to the filter head. A filter system includes a filter assembly, including a filter cartridge and a cartridge housing, connected to a filter head, in which the filter head includes an adapter assembly with a lock-out mechanism. The lock-out mechanism is unlocked by a key ring on the filter cartridge. A method of installing a filter assembly includes using protrusions on a key ring on a filter cartridge to unlock an adapter assembly in a filter head to allow for connection between the filter assembly and the filter head.

This application is a National Stage Application of PCT/US2010/055282,filed 3 Nov. 2010, which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/258,395, filed 5 Nov. 2009 and whichapplications are incorporated herein by reference. To the extentappropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosedapplications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to filtration assemblies and methods. Inparticular, this disclosure relates to filter assemblies and methods foruse in liquid filtration, such as lube filters, hydraulic filters, andfuel filters.

BACKGROUND

Filters are commonly used in connection with lubrication systems andfuel systems for internal combustion engines, and hydraulic systems forheavy-duty equipment. Filters are also used in many other types ofliquid systems. In these types of systems, the filter is changedperiodically. In the art, there are at least two standard types offilters used. One type is a spin-on canister filter, while the other isa bowl-cartridge filter.

Bowl-cartridge filters typically include a reusable bowl holding areplaceable filter element (filter cartridge). Bowl-cartridge filtersare sometimes preferred instead of spin-on canister filters due todisposal or other issues. Bowl-cartridge filters are mounted onto afilter head, and liquid to be cleaned passes through the filter head,into the bowl, through the replaceable filter cartridge, out of thebowl, and back into the filter head. After a period of use, thebowl-cartridge filter is removed from the filter head, and thereplaceable filter cartridge is removed from the reusable bowl. The oldfilter cartridge is discarded and replaced with a new filter cartridge.The new filter cartridge is operably-mounted into the reusable bowl toprovide a refurbished bowl-cartridge filter. This refurbishedbowl-cartridge filter, containing the new filter cartridge, is thenmounted onto the filter head.

Other problems include the possibility of forgetting to replace thefilter cartridge after removing the old filter cartridge. That is, afterremoving the old filter cartridge for servicing, it can be possible toreplace the bowl back onto the filter head without operably inserting anew filter cartridge. This can lead to disastrous consequences for theequipment that needs the filtration. Furthermore, when there aremultiple filter assemblies within close proximity of each other on onesystem, sometimes on a common filter head, the person servicing thefilters can sometimes get mixed-up regarding which filter assembly goeson where—putting the wrong filter assembly onto the wrong mount on thefilter head can lead to catastrophic results. Improvements to addressthese issues are desirable.

SUMMARY

To address these and other problems, in one aspect, a filter cartridgeis provided. A filter cartridge includes a first end cap defining afirst open aperture that has an axially extending neck having an outerradial surface and an inner radial surface; a key ring within andagainst the inner radial surface of the neck and circumscribing thefirst open aperture; at least first and second protrusions extendingfrom the key ring and into the first open aperture; a tubularconstruction of filter media defining an open filter interior and havingfirst and second opposite ends, with the first end being secured to thefirst end cap; and a second end cap secured to the second end of thefilter media. The first protrusion is spaced from the second protrusionin a vertical direction along the key ring, and the first protrusion iscircumferentially spaced from the second protrusion along the key ring.In use, when the filter cartridge is connected to a filter head, thefirst and second protrusions engage a lock-out assembly in the filterhead permitting the cartridge to connect to the filter head.

In another aspect, a filter assembly is provided including a cartridgehousing comprising a bowl that is connectable to the filter head. Thefilter cartridge is removably mountable in the cartridge housing.Alternatively, the cartridge housing includes a spin-on can that isconnectable to the filter head, and the filter cartridge is permanentlymounted in the cartridge housing.

In another aspect, a filter system is provided including a filterassembly as characterized above. The filter system includes a filterhead, with the filter cartridge operably connectable to the filter head.The filter head includes a filter block with a surrounding wall definingan interior volume and defining an inlet port and an outlet port. Anadapter is secured to the filter block within the block interior volume.The adapter has an outer surface circumscribing an inner tubular wall.In some embodiments, the adaptor outer surface is a funnel surface thattapers toward the inner tubular wall in the direction of the filterassembly. In other embodiments, the adaptor outer surface is non-taperedand generally parallel to the inner tubular wall. In either embodiment,the adaptor can be integral to the filer head block or can be a separatecomponent that is permanently or removably connected to the filter headblock. The inner tubular wall has an outer radial surface and an innerradial surface. A locking ring is secured to the adapter. The lockingring has a planar base with first and second opposite axial surfaces anddefining a central aperture. The inner tubular wall of the adapter fitswithin the central aperture. A plurality of fingers project from thefirst axial surface. A locking sleeve is provided. The locking sleeveincludes a tubular wall that is against the outer radial surface of theinner tubular wall of the adapter. The locking sleeve tubular wall has aplurality of grooves along the wall. A collar projects from andcircumscribes the locking sleeve tubular wall. The collar defines aplurality of finger-receiving apertures. The locking sleeve is rotatablerelative to the locking ring from a first locked position to an unlockedposition. The first locked position includes the finger-receivingapertures being misaligned from the plurality of fingers in the lockingring. The unlocked position includes the finger-receiving aperturesbeing in alignment with the plurality of fingers in the locking ring.The fingers penetrate the finger-receiving apertures to allow thelocking ring to move axially relative to the locking sleeve and theadapter. A locking spring is provided to bias the locking sleeve in thefirst locked position.

In another aspect, a method of installing a filter assembly including afilter cartridge and cartridge housing onto a filter head is provided.The method includes orienting a filter assembly, including a filtercartridge and housing, onto a filter head. The filter head includes ablock holding a locking ring and a locking sleeve. The locking ring hasa plurality of fingers. The locking sleeve includes a tubular wall, acollar projecting from and circumscribing the locking sleeve tubularwall and defining a plurality of finger-receiving apertures; the lockingsleeve being rotatable relative to the locking ring from a first lockedposition to an unlocked position; the first locked position includingthe finger-receiving apertures being misaligned from the plurality offingers in the locking ring, and the unlocked position including thefinger-receiving apertures being in alignment with the plurality offingers in the locking ring. The method includes while orienting,pushing the filter assembly against the locking sleeve to rotate thesleeve and move the sleeve from the locked position to the unlockedposition, which aligns the fingers of the locking ring with thefinger-receiving apertures of the locking sleeve. Next, the methodincludes axially moving both the filter assembly and the locking ringrelative to the block. Next, there is a step of operably connecting thefilter assembly to the filter head.

It is noted that not all the specific features described herein need tobe incorporated in an arrangement for the arrangement to have someselected advantage according to the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a filter system including a filter head,cartridge housing, and filter cartridge, constructed in accordance withprinciples of this disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the filter system of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the filter head of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the filter assembly used with the filterhead of FIG. 1, the filter assembly including the filter cartridge andcartridge housing;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the filter assembly ofFIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the filter cartridge used in FIGS. 1, 2,5, and 6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the filter cartridge ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a filterassembly including a filter cartridge and cartridge housing which isusable with the filter head of FIG. 3;

FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the filter assembly ofFIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of an adapter assembly that is utilized inthe filter head of FIGS. 1-4;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the adapter assembly ofFIG. 11, including a locking sleeve, locking spring, and locking ring;

FIG. 13 is an exploded, perspective view of the adapter assembly ofFIGS. 11 and 12 and showing the adapter, locking sleeve, locking spring,and locking ring;

FIG. 14 is a bottom, perspective view of a portion of the filter head ofFIG. 3, in which the adapter assembly can be seen;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a portion of the filter cartridgehousing of FIGS. 5 and 6, with a portion cut away to show parts of aninner liner that engage with portions of the adapter assembly if anattempt is made to connect the cartridge housing with the filter headand without a proper filter cartridge installed therein;

FIG. 15A is an enlarged portion of the filter cartridge housing shown inFIG. 15;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of a portion of a filterassembly, with a filter cartridge without a key ring that is unable tounlock the adapter assembly to allow for connection of the filterassembly to the filter head;

FIG. 16A is an enlarged view of a portion of FIG. 16;

FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of the adapter assembly of FIG. 11;

FIG. 18 is an exploded, perspective view of the adapter assembly of FIG.17, which shows the adapter removed from an assembled locking ring,locking spring, and locking sleeve;

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the locking sleeve, locking spring,locking ring, and a key ring that is part of the filter cartridge in afirst locked position and with portions of the key ring misaligned withfinger-receiving apertures in the locking sleeve;

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the assembly of FIG.19 in addition showing the adapter and a remaining portion of the endcap of the filter cartridge;

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIG. 19 in a firstlocked position showing portions of the key ring aligned with grooves onthe locking sleeve;

FIG. 21A is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of FIG. 21;

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the assembly of FIGS. 19 and 21 andshowing the assembly in a second locked position;

FIG. 23 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 22, but showing only thesleeve and key ring in the second locked position and just prior tobeing rotated to an unlocked position;

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the locking sleeve and key ring in thesecond locked position, similar to that shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a perspective view of the locking sleeve;

FIG. 26 is another perspective view of the locking sleeve and key ringof FIG. 24, in the second locked position and about to move into theunlocked position;

FIG. 27 is a perspective view showing the locking sleeve and the lockingring in an unlocked position;

FIG. 28 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of the adapter assemblyof FIG. 17 in an unlocked position;

FIG. 29 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of a portion of thefilter system fully engaged in an unlocked position;

FIG. 30 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of a portion of a spin-onfilter cartridge, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, and showing thespin-cartridge in a locked position;

FIG. 31 is a view analogous to FIG. 30 of a spin-on assembly, but inthis instance, the spin-on filter cartridge is in an unlocked position.

FIG. 32 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of another embodiment ofa portion of a filter head;

FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a portion ofa filter head;

FIG. 34 is a top view of another embodiment of an end cap usable withthe system previously described;

FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the end cap of FIG. 34, thecross-section being taken along the line 35-35 of FIG. 34;

FIG. 35A is an enlarged view of a portion of the cross-section of FIG.35 shown at section A in FIG. 35;

FIG. 36 is an exploded, perspective view of the end cap of FIGS. 34 and35 along with a second embodiment of a key ring usable with the end capof FIGS. 34 and 35;

FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the filtersystem, constructed in accordance with principles of this disclosure;

FIG. 38 is a perspective view, with portions removed for purposes ofillustration, of the filter cartridge housing of FIG. 37, which showsparts of an inner liner that engage portions of the adapter assembly ifan attempt is made to connect the cartridge housing with the filter headand without a proper filter cartridge installed therein;

FIG. 39 is a top view of the filter cartridge housing of FIG. 38; and

FIG. 40 is another embodiment of a locking ring, usable with systemspreviously described.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Overview

An example embodiment of a filtration system including a filter assemblyand a filter head is depicted in the accompanying figures. It should berealized that many examples are envisioned and not illustrated in thedrawings. FIG. 1 shows a filter system 40 including a filter head 42 anda filter assembly 44.

In FIG. 1, a fully assembled filter system 40 is illustrated, while inFIG. 2, a cross-sectional view of the filter system 40 is illustrated.The filter assembly 44 is selectively connectable and mountable on thefilter head 42. The filter head 42 is connected with other equipment,including, for example, a lubrication system of an engine, a fuel systemfor an engine, a hydraulic system for heavy-duty equipment, andappropriate systems for generators for industrial use.

The filter assembly 44 includes a filter cartridge 46 and a cartridgehousing 48. The cartridge 46 can be a removable and replaceablecartridge 46 with respect to the cartridge housing 48; alternatively,the filter cartridge can be part of a spin-on filter assembly 50 (FIGS.9 and 10), in which the filter cartridge 52 is permanently mountedwithin a can 54.

In the embodiment illustrated, the filter system 40 includes a lock-outfeature. In general, the lock-out feature ensures that the filter system40 is not accidentally operated with equipment without an appropriatefilter cartridge 46 or 52 installed therein.

The following are example embodiments only. A variety of implementationscan be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Not allof the references numerals are shown on each FIG., for purposes ofclarity.

B. Example Filter Cartridges FIGS. 7-10

In reference now to FIGS. 7 and 8, a first embodiment of the filtercartridge 46 is illustrated. The filter cartridge 46 is provided forreleasable connection with the filter head 42. In this embodiment, thefilter cartridge 46 is a filter cartridge that is removable andreplaceable from cartridge housing 48, as part of a bowl-cartridgefilter assembly 45 (FIGS. 5 and 6).

In the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, the filter cartridge 46 includes afirst end cap 56. In the one shown here, the first end cap 56 has afirst open aperture 58. A tubular construction of filter media 60 havingfirst and second ends 61, 62 defines an open filter interior 64. Thefirst aperture 58 defined by the first end cap 56 is in communicationwith the open filter interior 64. The first end 61 of the filter media60 is secured to the first end cap 56, in the example illustrated. Thefilter media 60 can be selected to be any type of media that isappropriate for the intended filtration system. Many typical embodimentswill include pleated media made from cellulose material, syntheticmaterial, or blends thereof.

In this embodiment, there is also a second end cap 68 secured to thesecond end 62 of the filter media 60. This example embodiment furthershows that the second end cap 68 defines a second open aperture 70,which is in communication with the open filter interior 64. In thespin-on filter assembly 50, discussed in connection with FIGS. 9 and 10,the second end cap 68 is a closed end cap and does not define an openaperture in communication with the open filter interior 64.

In this embodiment, the first end cap 56 has an inner wall 72 lining thefirst open aperture 58, an outer wall 74 circumscribing the filter media60, and a transverse base 76 extending between the inner wall 72 andouter wall 74. The base 76 also covers the first end 61 of the filtermedia 60. This embodiment of the first end cap 56 further includes aplurality of radial projections 78 (FIG. 7) that extend radially fromthe outer wall 74 of the end cap 56. The projections 78 help to centerthe cartridge 46 within the cartridge housing 48.

In this embodiment, the first end cap 56 defines an axially extendingneck 80. In the embodiment shown, the neck 80 extends or projectsaxially from the base 76 and defines an outer radial surface 82 and anopposite inner radial surface 84.

In general, the first end cap 56 can be used to hold a first end capseal member 86. The first end cap seal member 86 is used for forming aseal 88 (FIG. 2) between the filter cartridge 46 and the filter head 42.

In the embodiment shown, the first end cap seal member 86 is held by theneck 80. In the specific implementation illustrated, the first end capseal member 86 is held against the outer radial surface 82 of the neck80.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, the second end cap 68 is constructedsimilarly to the first end cap 56, in that it has an inner wall 90 thatlines the second open aperture 70, an outer wall 92 that circumscribesthe filter media 60, and a transverse base 94 extending between theinner wall 90 and outer wall 92. The transverse base 94, in thisembodiment, covers the second end 62 of the media 60. In the illustratedembodiment, the second end cap 68 further includes an axially extendingneck 96 extending or projecting from the base 94 in a direction awayfrom the filter media 60. The neck 96 includes an inner radial surface98 and an opposite outer radial surface 99. In the embodiment shown, theneck 96 is spaced from each of the inner wall 90 and outer wall 92.

In general, in this embodiment, the second end cap 68 further holds asecond end cap seal member 102. The second end cap seal member 102 isfor forming a seal 104 (FIG. 2) with the cartridge housing 48. In theembodiment shown, the second end cap seal member 102 is held against theinner radial surface 98 of the neck 96.

In the spin-on assembly 50 of FIGS. 9 and 10, because the second end cap68 is a closed end cap, there is no need for a seal member at the secondend cap 68.

Thus, in the spin-on embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, the second end cap 68does not hold any type of seal member.

Turning again to the embodiment of FIGS. 7 and 8, the second end cap 68includes projections 106 extending or projecting radially from the outerwall 92 of the second end cap 68. The projections 106 arecircumferentially spaced relative to each other and have a functionsimilar to the projections 78, in that they help to center the cartridge46 and space it from an inner wall of the cartridge housing 48.

In accordance with principles of this disclosure, the filter cartridge46 further includes a key ring 110. The key ring 110 is for providingprotrusions, as explained below, which will engage a lock-out assemblyin the filter head 42 to permit the filter cartridge 46 to connect tothe filter head 42. In the embodiment shown, the key ring 110 ispositioned within and against the inner radial surface 84 of the neck80. In this embodiment, the key ring 110 circumscribes the first openaperture 58.

In general, the filter cartridge 46 includes at least first and secondprotrusions 114, 115 extending from the key ring 110 and into the firstopen aperture 58. The first protrusion 114 is spaced from the secondprotrusion 115 in a vertical direction along the key ring 110. The firstprotrusion 114 is also spaced from the second protrusion 115circumferentially along the key ring 110. When the filter cartridge 46is connected to the filter head 42, the first and second protrusions114, 115 engage a lock-out assembly in the filter head 42 which permitsthe filter cartridge 46 to connect to the filter head 42.

In the embodiment illustrated, the first protrusion 114 and the secondprotrusion 115 are located circumferentially spaced within 50 degrees ofeach other. In many embodiments, the first protrusion 114 and secondprotrusion 115 are located greater than 35 degrees, for example 40-43degrees of each other along the inner circumference of the key ring 110.

In preferred embodiments, the first open aperture 58 is circular anddefines an inner diameter. Preferably, the vertical distance between thefirst and second protrusions 114, 115 is 2-30% of the inner diameter ofthe first open aperture 58, for example, about 8-15% and morespecifically, about 11-12%, of the inner diameter of the first openaperture. In many embodiments, the first protrusion 114 extends into thefirst open aperture 58 no greater than 40% of the inner diameter of thefirst open aperture 58, for example, no greater than 10%, typicallybetween 0.5 and 3% of the inner diameter of the first open aperture 58.Similarly, the second protrusion 115 extends into the first openaperture 58 no greater than 40% of the inner diameter of the first openaperture 58, for example, no greater than 10%, typically between 0.5 and3% of the inner diameter of the first open aperture 58. In the exampleembodiment illustrated, the first and second protrusions 114, 115 extenda same amount into the first open aperture 58. In other embodiments, oneof the first and second protrusions 114, 115 can be longer than theother.

Attention is directed to FIG. 21, which is a perspective view of the keyring 110 that is illustrated as being removed from other portions of thefilter cartridge 46, for purposes of clarity. The key ring 110 in FIG.21 is shown interfacing with portions of a lock-out mechanism inconnection with the filter head 42, to be discussed further below. InFIG. 21, it can be seen how the key ring 110 further includes at least athird protrusion 116 extending from the key ring 110 and into the firstopen aperture 58. The third protrusion 116 is circumferentially spacedfrom the first protrusion 114 and the second protrusion 115. The thirdprotrusion 116 is vertically spaced from only one of either the firstprotrusion 114 or the second protrusion 115; in other words, the thirdprotrusion 116 is evenly spaced at the same vertical distance along thekey ring 110 with only one of either the first protrusion 114 or thesecond protrusion 115.

In FIG. 21, it can be seen that, in the embodiment illustrated, there isfurther included at least a fourth protrusion 117. The fourth protrusion117 extends radially inwardly from an inner wall 111 of the key ring110, in the same manner than the first protrusion 114, second protrusion115, and third protrusion 116 each extend radially inwardly from theinner wall 111. The fourth protrusion 117 also extends into the firstopen aperture 58. The fourth protrusion 117 is circumferentially spacedfrom the first protrusion 114, the second protrusion 115, and the thirdprotrusion 116. The fourth protrusion 117 is vertically spaced from onlytwo of the first protrusion 114, the second protrusion 115, or the thirdprotrusion 116. In other words, the fourth protrusion 117 is verticallyeven with only one of the other protrusions 114, 115, and 116.

In the particular embodiment illustrated, the third protrusion 116 isvertically spaced from the second protrusion 115 and the fourthprotrusion 117, while it is vertically even with the first protrusion114. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the fourth protrusion 117 isvertically even with the second protrusion 115, while being verticallyspaced from the first protrusion 114 and the third protrusion 116.

While the embodiment of FIG. 21 identifies the first protrusion at 114,it could also be located at the physical location of the thirdprotrusion 116. Likewise, while the second protrusion is shown at thelocation of reference numeral 115, it could also be at the location ofthe fourth protrusion 117. In other words, in one contemplatedembodiment, the arrangement of protrusions can include only a protrusionlocated at 114 and a protrusion located at 115. Another variationincludes an arrangement of protrusions as including a protrusion only at114 and only at 117. Another variation of the arrangement of protrusionsincludes a protrusion only at 116 and 117. Another variation wouldinclude a protrusion only at 115 and only at 116. In the particularembodiment illustrated, the protrusion arrangement includes theillustrated four protrusions at 114, 115, 116, and 117. Additionalprotrusions can be utilized to help cooperate with other features of thesystem 40, but in the embodiment of FIG. 21, there are only fourprotrusions shown.

In the embodiment shown, two of the four protrusions arecircumferentially spaced within 45 degrees of each other, for example,about 40-43 degrees of each other, while a remaining two of the fourprotrusions are located within 45 degrees of each other, for example,about 40-43 degrees of each other. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.21, the first protrusion 114 and second protrusion 115 arecircumferentially spaced within 45 degrees of each other, while thethird protrusion 116 and fourth protrusion 117 are circumferentiallyspaced within 45 degrees of each other. In general, in preferredembodiments, the first protrusion 114 and second protrusion 115 arecircumferentially spaced within 50 degrees of each other.

In some arrangements, one of the protrusions will be located greaterthan 45 degrees relative to the other protrusion. For example, consideran embodiment in which the protrusion arrangement includes a firstprotrusion at 114 and a second protrusion is located at location 117; insuch an embodiment, the protrusions are located greater than 45 degreesrelative to each other. In such a case, it could be said that the firstprotrusion 114 and the protrusion located at reference numeral 117 arecircumferentially spaced greater than 45 degrees of each other. Ananalogous embodiment would include a protrusion located only atlocations 115 and 116.

In example systems, the key ring 110 is separate from the first end cap56 because the key ring 110 needs to be able to rotate about its centerline (central longitudinal axis) with the first end cap 56 during afirst phase of installation, and then the first end cap 56 needs to beable to continue to rotate while the key ring 110 cannot during a secondphase of installation. In the first phase, the cartridge 52 is installedin the cartridge housing 48 and is rotationally fixed to the cartridgehousing 48 by way of the seal 104 (in this example, a radial seal)between the second end cap 68 and the wall 150 (FIG. 6) that is part ofthe cartridge housing 48. At this point, the key ring 110 should rotatewith the filter cartridge 52 and the cartridge housing 48 for thetechnician who is installing the cartridge 48 onto the filter head 42 toproperly line up the protrusions 114-117 on the key ring 110 withappropriate slots in a locking ring 178 (described further below). Oncethe protrusions 114-117 are properly aligned with slots in the lockingring 178, any further upward axial motion will cause the key ring 110 tono longer be able to rotate about its center line. The key ring 110 canno longer rotate about its center line, but may only move axial upwardlyin a direction toward the filter head 42, which the first end cap 56continues to both rotate and move axially upwardly.

The way in which to implement the selective rotation function of the keyring 110 relative to the end cap 56 can be done in a number of differentways. One way is shown in FIGS. 34-36, described further below. In thisembodiment, a friction-inducing structure is used, for example, embodiedas a ring 120.

The friction ring 120 is between an outer radial surface 112 (FIG. 21,within groove 113 of FIG. 21) of the key ring 110 and the inner radialsurface 84 of the neck 80. The friction ring 120 holds the key ring 110fixed to the first end cap 56, but under rotational force, permits thekey ring 110 to move rotationally about a central longitudinal axis 122relative to the first end cap 56. The friction ring 120 helps whenassembling the filter assembly 44 with the filter head 42. The frictionring 120 can be used to create enough drag between the surface of theend cap 56 and the key ring 110 to allow the key ring 110 to rotate withthe end cap 56, but not so much drag that once the protrusions 114-117start to move upwardly in slots of the lock ring 178, the key ring 110only moves axially upwardly while the end cap 56 both rotates and movesaxially upwardly.

The key ring 110, in this embodiment, further includes an axial end tip124 defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced open slots 126. Theslots 126 are provided to receive parts of the filter head 42, when thefilter cartridge 46 is mounted onto the filter head 42. This isdiscussed further below.

In reference now to FIGS. 9 and 10, the spin-on assembly 50 is furtherdiscussed. As mentioned above, the cartridge 52 is permanently connectedto the cartridge housing, which in this embodiment, is a can 54. Thesame reference numerals for the filter cartridge 46 in FIGS. 7 and 8 areused for the analogous features for the cartridge 52 of FIGS. 9 and 10.One of the main differences between the cartridge of FIGS. 7 and 8verses the cartridge of FIGS. 9 and 10 is the second end cap 68, whichis closed in the spin-on embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10. In the embodimentof FIGS. 9 and 10, an inner liner 128 is against the inner portion ofthe filter media 60 to help support the filter media 60. In thisembodiment, an outer filter support 130 can be seen supporting the outerradial portion of the filter media 60. The outer filter support 130 isillustrated in this embodiment as a series of polymer beads.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, the first end cap 56 includes aplurality of axial projections 132 extending or projecting axially fromthe base 76 of the first end cap 56. The axial projections 132 engage aportion of the can 54 to help ensure that the filter cartridge 52 isspaced from an inner wall of the can 54 to allow for the flow of fluidin between the can 54 and the media 60.

The can 54 includes a closed end 134 at one end, and an open mouth 136at an opposite end. The open mouth 136 is constructed and arranged tooperably connect to the filter head 42. In the embodiment shown, theinner wall of the can 54 adjacent to the open mouth 136 includes threads138 that are constructed and arranged to mate with threads on the filterhead 42.

Turning now to the bowl filter assembly 45 illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6,the cartridge housing 48, in this embodiment, is a bowl 140. The filtercartridge 46 is removable and replaceable from the bowl 140. The bowl140 includes a closed end 142 and an opposite open mouth 144. The closedend 142 can include a valve or drain arrangement or other type of plugthat can be used to drain the bowl 140. In the embodiment illustrated,rather than a valve or drain-type structure at the closed end 142 of thebowl, there is shown a fastener 146 used to secure an inner liner 148 tothe bowl 140. The inner liner 148 is attached to the bowl 140 and thefilter cartridge 46 will be releasably secured over and around the innerliner 148. As can be seen in the embodiment of FIG. 6, the inner liner148 preferably extends the length of the filter media 60. The innerliner 148 is porous to allow the flow of liquid there through. The innerliner 148 helps to radially support and hold the filter media 60 duringfiltration.

In FIGS. 15 and 15A, it can be seen how, in the embodiment depicted, theinner liner 148 includes a plurality of tabs 151 projecting radiallyinwardly from the inner liner 148 adjacent to an end rim 154. As will beexplained further below, if an attempt is made to install the bowl 140without the filter cartridge 46 or with a filter cartridge but a filtercartridge that does not have a key ring 110, the bowl 140 cannot move upclose enough to engage the threads 152 on the bowl 140 with the threads159 on the surrounding wall 158 of the filter head 42.

As can also be seen in FIG. 6, the inner liner 148 has a solid,nonporous circumferential wall 150 that is shown to be underneath thesecond end cap 68. The wall 158 provides a sealing surface for thesecond seal member 102 to form the seal 104 there against.

The bowl 140 includes threads 152 adjacent to the mouth 144. The threads152 are for releasable connection with the filter head 42.

C. Example Filter Head, FIGS. 3 and 4

An overview of the filter head 42 is now provided. In reference to FIGS.1-4, and in particular to FIGS. 3 and 4, an example embodiment of thefilter head 42 is illustrated. The filter head includes a filter block156 with a surrounding wall 158 defining an interior volume 160 (FIG.4). The filter block 156 defines an inlet port 162 for taking in theunfiltered liquid, and an outlet port 164 for outputting the filterliquid. In the example embodiment illustrated, the inlet port 162 andthe outlet port 164 are set up for a forward flow filter system, inwhich fluid flows into the filter head 42 through the inlet port 162,around the outside of the filter media 60, through the filter media 60,into the filter interior 64, and then out through the outlet port 164 ofthe filter head 42. That is, the flow is “standard flow.” In otherarrangements, the filter system 40 could be set up for reverse-flow, inwhich the liquid would flow from the filter head 42 into the filterinterior 64, then through the filter media 60, and then through anoutlet port in the filter head 42.

Secured to the filter block 156 is an adapter 166. The adapter 166 issecured to the filter block 156 within the block interior volume 160.The adapter 166 includes an outer surface 168 (in this example, theouter surface 168 is a funnel surface 168) circumscribing an innertubular wall 170. By use of the term funnel surface, it is meant thatouter surface 168 tapers toward inner tubular wall 170 in the directionof filter assembly 44. The inner tubular wall 170 has an outer radialsurface 172 and an inner radial surface 174. The inner tubular wall 170is secured to the filter block 156, in the embodiment shown, at asecured threaded connection 176. In the embodiment shown, the innertubular wall 170 forms an outlet channel, in open filter communicationwith the open filter interior 64, such that filtered liquid flows fromthe open filter interior 64 through the inner tubular wall 170 and thenthrough the outlet port 164.

Within the filter head 42 is also included a locking ring 178 secured tothe adapter 166; a locking sleeve 180; and a locking spring 182. Each ofthese components is discussed further below in connection with thefilter lock out mechanism.

In a second embodiment, a filter head 42 a is shown at FIG. 32. Thefilter head 42 a includes many of the same features described and shownfor filter head 42. As such, similar reference numbers have been usedwhere the features are essentially the same. The entire description forfilter head 42 is hereby incorporated for the embodiment shown in FIG.32. As shown, filter head 42 a differs from filter head 42 in therespect that filter head 42 a has an adapter 166 a having an outersurface 168 a that is non-tapered. Instead, outer surface 168 a isgenerally parallel to inner tubular wall 170. It is therefore possiblefor the outer surface of the adapter 166 to take a number of shapes andconfigurations without departing from the concepts presented herein.

In a third embodiment, a filter head 42 b is shown at FIG. 33. Filterhead 42 b includes many of the same features described and shown forfilter head 42. As such, similar reference numbers have been used wherethe features are essentially the same. The entire description for filterhead 42 is hereby incorporated for the embodiment shown in FIG. 33. Asshown, filter head 42 b differs from filter head 42 in two respects.First, adapter 166 b includes an outer surface 168 b that is generallyparallel to inner tubular wall 170 rather than being a funnel surface.Second, adapter 166 b is formed as an integral part of filter block 156instead of being secured by a threaded connection 176. It is equallypossible that adapters 166 and 166 a could be formed integrally with thefilter block 156 as well.

D. Adapter Assembly 186

In reference now to FIGS. 11-13, the adapter assembly 186 isillustrated. In this embodiment, the adapter assembly 186 includes theadapter 166, the locking sleeve 180, the locking spring 182, and thelocking ring 178.

As can be seen in FIG. 12, the funnel surface 168 circumscribes theinner tubular wall 170, as well as the locking ring 178 and the lockingsleeve 180. The locking spring 182 is located between and against thelocking ring 178 and the locking sleeve 180. The function of the spring182 is described further below.

One embodiment of locking ring 178 is illustrated in perspective in FIG.13. In this embodiment, the locking ring 178 includes a planar base 188with first and second opposite axial surfaces 189, 190 that defines orcircumscribes a central aperture 192. The inner tubular wall 170 of theadapter 166 fits within the central aperture 192 of the locking ring178. Projecting from the first axial surface 189 in an axial directionand away from the first axial surface 189 is a plurality of fingers 194.In the embodiment of FIG. 13, there are four circumferentially spacedfingers 194, which are also evenly spaced about the first axial surface189 of the planar base 188. In this embodiment, each of the fingers 194has a generally trapezoidal shaped radial surface 196. The function ofthe fingers 194 is discussed further below.

Still in reference to FIG. 13, in this embodiment, the locking ring 178further includes a skirt 198. The skirt 198 extends or projects from thesecond axial surface 190 in a direction opposite from the direction thatthe fingers 194 project. The skirt 198 defines a plurality of open slots200. The slots are open from an end rim 202 that is remote from the base188 and extend inwardly along the skirt 198. The slots 200 provideaccess to the locking sleeve by the protrusions 114, 115, 116, 117, aswill be explained below.

In reference now to FIG. 18, the locking ring 178 in the embodimentshown further includes a plurality of gussets 246 extending between theplanar base 188 and the outer radial surface 207 of the skirt 198. Theslots 126 in the key ring 110 (FIG. 7) receive the locking ring gussets246 when the filter cartridge 46 is operably mounted onto the filterhead 42.

In reference again to FIG. 12, in this embodiment, the skirt 198 of thelocking ring 178 includes a plurality of radial tabs 204. The radialtabs 204 are shown extending from an inner radial surface 206 of theskirt 198. On the opposite side of the inner radial surface 206 of theskirt 198 is an outer radial surface 207. The tabs 204 help to hold thelocking ring 178 relative to the adapter 166, as explained below.

The inner tubular wall 170 of the adapter 166 includes at least twospaced longitudinally extending projecting ridges 210, 211 (FIG. 18) andat least two spaced radial projecting ridges 212, 213 on the outerradial surface 172. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the radialridges 212, 213 are at the end rim 214 of the inner tubular wall 170.The radial tabs 204 of the skirt 198 snap under the radial projectingridges 212, 213 on the outer radial surface 172 of the adapter 166. Thishelps to hold the locking ring 178 in place relative to the adapter 166.The longitudinal ridges 210, 211 on the inner tubular wall 170 of theadapter 166 cooperates with openings in the locking sleeve, 180, whichwill be discussed.

In reference again to FIG. 13, the locking sleeve 180 includes a tubularwall 216 defining an opening 217. As can be seen in FIG. 12, the opening217 is sized such that the tubular wall 216 circumscribes and is againstthe outer radial surface 172 of the inner tubular wall 170 of theadapter 166. The locking sleeve tubular wall 216, in the embodimentshown, has a plurality of grooves 218 along the wall 216. As can be seenin FIG. 13, there is at least a first groove 221 and a second groove 222defined within radially outwardly projecting longitudinal ridges 224.The grooves 221, 222 are accessible between the ridges 224 by openings226 between the ridges 224 that are along the end rim 228 of the tubularwall 216.

In reference to FIG. 25, the first groove 221 includes a first ramp 230adjacent to the opening 226. The first ramp 230 is defined by one of thelongitudinal ridges 224, and is adjacent to the rim 228 and the opening226. The first ramp 230 is for engaging either the first protrusion 114or the third protrusion 116, as will be explained below.

Similarly, the second groove 222 includes a second ramp 232 defined byridge 233. The second ramp 232 is spaced away from the rim 228 andspaced further in along the wall 216 than the first ramp 230 is. Thesecond ramp 232 is for engaging the second protrusion 115 or fourthprotrusion 117, as is discussed further below.

In reference again to FIG. 13, this embodiment of the locking sleeve 180further includes a collar 236. In the embodiment depicted the collar 236projects from and circumscribes the locking sleeve tubular wall 216. Thecollar 236 forms a brim 237 that surrounds the wall 216. Extendingthrough the collar 236 are a plurality of finger-receiving apertures238. The finger-receiving apertures 238 are sized and configured toreceived the fingers 194 of the locking ring 178, when the adapterassembly 186 is in an unlocked position.

As can be seen in FIG. 13, between the wall 216 and the collar 236,around an upper portion of the brim 237 of the collar 236 is a pluralityof radial gussets 240. The gussets 240 help to strengthen the sleeve180.

In reference again to FIG. 25, the locking sleeve tubular wall 216defines a pair of longitudinal openings 242. The openings 242 are openand accessible from the end rim 228 and are defined as gaps in the wall216. The longitudinal ridges 210, 211 (FIG. 18) of the inner tubularwall 170 of the adapter 166 are within the openings 242 of the lockingsleeve 180. This helps to limit rotation of the locking sleeve 180relative to the adapter 166 to a range of motion between the edges 244of the openings 242 and the ridges 210, 211 (FIG. 12).

The locking spring 182, in this embodiment, is shown as a coiled metalspring 248. The locking spring 182 is located around the tubular wall216 of the locking sleeve 180, as can be seen in FIG. 12. The lockingspring 182 is located between the first axial surface 189 of the base188 of the locking ring 178 and a pocket 252 (FIGS. 12 and 26). Thepocket 252 is a volume defined between the collar 236 and the tubularwall 216 of the locking sleeve 180. A lower axial surface 250 can alsobe seen in FIG. 26, which is the lower axial surface 250 of the brim 237of the collar 236.

E. Operation of the Lock Out

The locking sleeve 180 is rotatable relative to the locking ring 178from a first locked position to an unlocked position. The first lockedposition is illustrated in FIG. 19. The first locked position includesthe finger-receiving apertures 238 of the locking sleeve 180 beingmisaligned from the plurality of fingers 194 of the locking ring 178. Bymisaligned, it is meant that the fingers 194 are not lined up with thefinger-receiving apertures 238, and as illustrated in FIG. 19, thefingers 119 are circumferentially spaced next to the finger-receivingapertures 238.

The unlocked position is illustrated in FIG. 27. The unlocked positionincludes the finger-receiving apertures 238 being in alignment with theplurality of fingers 194 in the locking ring 178. As can be seen in FIG.27, the fingers 194 are in circumferential alignment with the apertures238 such that the fingers 194 penetrate the finger-receiving apertures238, which allows the locking ring 178 to move axially relative to thelocking sleeve 180 and to the adapter 166. By comparing to FIG. 19, itcan be seen how in the first locked position, the fingers 194 aremisaligned from the finger-receiving apertures 238 of the locking sleeve180, and the tips 195 of the fingers 194 engage against the lower axialsurface 250 (FIG. 26) of the collar 236, which blocks or preventsrelative axial motion between the ring 178 and the sleeve 180. FIG. 27shows the ring 178 axially moved upwardly relative to the locking sleeve180, because the fingers 194 are in alignment with the finger-receivingapertures 238. The locking spring 182 is arranged to apply a torsionalspring force to hold the locking sleeve 180 in the first locked positionshown in FIG. 19.

When the adapter assembly 186 is in the unlocked position of FIG. 27,the filter cartridge 46 will be operably connectable to the filter head42. In the first locked position of FIG. 19, the filter cartridge 46will not be operably connectable to the filter head 42 because therelative axial length of the adapter assembly 186 in FIG. 19 preventsthe threads 152 (or 138) on the cartridge housing 48 from connecting tothe threads 159 on the filter head 42.

The locking sleeve 180 is also rotatable relative to the locking ring178 from the first locked position (FIG. 19) to a second locked position(FIG. 22). The second locked position, as can be seen in FIG. 22,includes the finger-receiving apertures 238 of the locking sleeve 180being misaligned from the plurality of fingers 194 in the locking ring178. Thus, the second locked position also prevents the filter cartridge46 from engagement with the filter head 42 because of the relative axiallength of the adapter assembly 186. The second locked position preventsaxial motion between the locking ring 178 and locking sleeve 180. Thesecond locked position includes the fingers 194 circumferentially spacedaway from the finger-receiving apertures 238, but closer to thefinger-receiving apertures 238 than in the first locked position of FIG.19. The tips 195 of the fingers 194 engage or abut the lower axialsurface 250 (FIG. 26) of the collar 236.

When the filter cartridge 46, which is held by the housing 48 is goingto be connected to the filter head 42, the first protrusion 114, and ifpresent, the third protrusion 116, engage against the first ramp 230(FIG. 25) of the first groove 221 by extending from the key ring 110,through one of the slots 200 of the locking ring 178. Engagement betweenthe first protrusion 114 and the first ramp 230 rotates the lockingsleeve 180 against the force of the spring 182 and rotates the sleeve180 relative to the adapter 166 and the locking ring 178, thus movingthe adapter assembly 186 from the first locked position to the secondlocked position. This rotation allows some axial motion of the lockingring 178 and filter assembly 44 relative to the adapter 166 and lockingsleeve 180. This rotation and axial motion then puts contact between thesecond protrusion 115 (and if provided, the fourth protrusion 117) andthe second ramp 232 (FIG. 23) in the second groove 222 through the slots200 of the locking ring 178. Continued axial pressure between the filtercartridge 46 and the adapter assembly 186 will cause the secondprotrusion 115 to move against the ridge 233 (FIG. 25) and cause furtherrotation of the locking sleeve 180 against the spring 182 relative tothe locking ring 178. Finally, the sleeve 180 and the ring 178 are movedrotationally relative to each other until the fingers 194 are in axialalignment with the finger-receiving apertures 238, which then allows thering 178 to slide axially relative to the sleeve 180 by permitting thefingers 194 to penetrate the finger-receiving apertures 238. This thenputs the adapter assembly 186 in the unlocked position (FIG. 27) whichthen permits connection between the threads 159 of the filter head 142and then threads 138 or 152 of the cartridge housing 48 (FIG. 29).

For the spin-on embodiment of FIGS. 9 and 10, the lock out mechanismworks the same as for the bowl-cartridge assembly 45. FIGS. 30 and 31show the spin-on assembly 50 in a locked position (FIG. 30) and in anunlocked position (FIG. 31). In FIG. 30, if the spin-on cartridge 52 didnot have the proper key ring 110, then engagement between an end 254 ofthe neck 80 and the second axial surface 190 (FIG. 18) of the lockingring 178 will prevent any further axial motion between the spin-onassembly 50 and the filter head 42. This will prevent mating of thethreads 136 and 138. In FIG. 31, it can be seen how the key ring 110 onthe cartridge 52 has moved the adapter assembly 186 from the lockedposition of FIG. 30 to the unlocked position of FIG. 31, with thefingers 194 penetrating the finger-receiving apertures 238 of thelocking sleeve 180.

If an attempt is made to connect to the filter bowl 140 to the filterhead 42 without a cartridge 46, the tabs 151 (FIGS. 15 and 15A) willcome in contact with the end rim 202 (FIG. 14) of the locking ring 178.This will prevent the bowl 140 from getting close enough to the filterhead 42 such that the threads 152 and 159 cannot engage.

In FIGS. 16 and 16A, the filter bowl 140 and filter head 42 are shown,and the system 40 is in a locked position because, the cartridge 46′installed within the filter bowl 140 lacks a key ring 110. The lockingring 178 cannot move axially upwardly from its position shown in FIG. 16because the fingers 194 engage against the second axial surface 190 ofthe base 188 of the locking sleeve 180.

From the above, it should be apparent how to use the filter assembly 44.First, there is a step of orienting the filter assembly 44 onto thefilter head 42. While orienting, the filter assembly 44 is pushedagainst the locking sleeve 180 to rotate the sleeve 180 and move thesleeve 180 from the locked position (FIG. 21) to the unlocked position(FIG. 27), aligning the fingers 194 of the locking ring 178 with thefinger-receiving apertures 238 of the locking sleeve 180. Next, there isthe step of axial moving both the filter assembly 44 and the lockingring 178 relative to the filter head 42. Finally, the filter assembly 44is operably connected to the filter head 42.

F. Additional Variations

FIGS. 34-40 illustrate additional variations that can be used fully withthe system and all of its parts and pieces described previously in FIGS.1-33. As such, each of these variations will not be described fully willall of the other functioning parts. Rather, it should be understood thatthe variations in FIGS. 34-40 are usable with everything described fullyabove. To the extent appropriate, the above text and description isincorporated herein by reference.

FIGS. 34-36 illustrate a variant in the key ring 110 and first end cap56. In the embodiment of FIGS. 34-36, the first end cap will bearreference numeral 356, while the key ring will bear reference numeral410. In the embodiment of FIGS. 34-36, the function of selectivelyrotating the key ring 410 is implemented with a bump arrangement 420instead of with a friction ring 120. The bump arrangement 420 is afriction-inducing structure.

In reference to FIGS. 35 and 36, the first end cap 356 has a first openaperture 358. In use, the first open aperture 358 is in communicationwith the open filter interior 64 of the tubular construction of filtermedia 60. The first end 61 of the filter media 60 is secured to thefirst end cap 356. The first end cap 356 has an inner wall 372 liningthe first open aperture 358. There is an outer wall 374, whichcircumscribes the filter media 60 (FIG. 7). A transverse base 376extends between the inner wall 372 and outer wall 374. The base 376 alsocovers the first end 61 of the filter media 60. In the illustratedembodiment, the first end cap 356 further includes a plurality of radialprojections 378 that help to center the filter cartridge 46 (FIG. 7)within the cartridge housing 48.

The first end cap 356, in the example shown, defines an axiallyextending neck 380. The neck 380 extends or projects axially from thebase 376 and defines an outer radial surface 382 and an opposite innerradial surface 384. The first end cap 356 holds a first end cap sealmember 386. The first end cap seal member 386 forms a seal, such as seal88 illustrated in FIG. 2 between the filter cartridge 46 and the filterhead 42.

As can be seen in FIGS. 35 and 36, the base 376 includes a base portion377 that is circumscribed by the neck 380. That is, the base portion 377is within and adjacent to the inner radial surface 384 of the neck 380.The bump arrangement 420 includes a plurality of bumps 422 on the firstend cap 356 in order to introduce friction and interact with structureon the key ring 410. In the example shown, the bumps 422 are on the base376. In the particular example shown in FIGS. 34-36, the bumps 422 arelocated on the base portion 377. The bumps 422 include, in this example,dome shaped projections that extend in an axial direction away from thebase portion 377 of the base 376.

The key ring 410, as with the key ring 110, includes a plurality ofprotrusions that extend radially from the inner radial surface 429. Theprotrusions are located analogously as described with respect toprotrusions 114-117, above, and that description is incorporated hereinby reference. It should be noted that in the embodiment of FIG. 36,because of the view shown, only three of the four protrusions arevisible, protrusions 402, 403, and 405. Protrusions 403 and 405 areanalogous to the second and fourth protrusions 115, 117. Protrusion 402is analogous to the first protrusion 114. The protrusion analogous tothird protrusion 116 cannot be seen in FIG. 36, but it should beapparent from review of the embodiment of the key ring 110, bycomparison to the key ring 410.

In the embodiment of FIG. 36, the protrusions 402, 403, 405 are notround, as shown in the protrusions 114-117, but partially round.Specifically, the protrusions 403, 405 have a flat, planer section thatcan, in some embodiments, be parallel to the second axial surface 427.The protrusion 402 has a flat section that, in some embodiments, can beparallel to the first axial surface 426.

The key ring 410 is constructed analogously as key ring 110, but insteadof having friction ring 120, it includes bumps 424. The bumps 424 arepositioned on the key ring 410 such that they axially engage the bumps422 on the first end cap 356. In the example shown in FIG. 36, the keyring 410 includes a first axial surface 426 and an opposite second axialsurface 427. Between the first and second axial surfaces 426, 427 is anouter radial surface 428 and an inner radial surface 429. In thisexample, the bumps 424 are located on the second axial surface 427 suchthat when the key ring 410 is placed within the neck 380 of the end cap356, the second axial surface 427 will rest upon and engage against thebase portion 377 of the base 376 of the end cap 356. The outer radialsurface 428 will be adjacent to and against the inner radial surface 384of the neck 380. The bumps 424, in this embodiment, are generally domeshaped projections and interfere with the bumps 422.

With the key ring 410 installed in the end cap 356, the bumps 422, 424interfere with each other to create drag between the bumps 422, 424,which causes the key ring 410 to move (rotate) with the end cap 356,when the cartridge housing 48 and cartridge 46 is being rotated in orderto line up the protrusions (illustrated previously as 114-117 and in theembodiment of FIG. 36, shown as 402, 403, and 405) with the slots in thelocking ring 178. Once the protrusions 402, 403, and 405 begin to moveaxially into their respective slots in the locking ring 178, the keyring 410 can no longer rotate because the slots in the locking ring 178are fixed relative to the filter head 42 and do not rotate. The forcesthat now require the protrusions 402, 403, and 405 to move only axiallyupwards are great enough to overcome the friction between the bumps 422and 424, allowing the bumps 422, 424 to ride over each other, in turn,allowing the key ring 410 to remain rotationally fixed to the filterhead 42, while the end cap 356 continues to rotate with the filtercartridge 46.

In reference again to FIGS. 34-36, the end cap 356 further includesprojections 387 along the inner radial surface 384 of the neck 380. Theprojections 387 axially retain the key ring 410 in the end cap 356 afterassembly. During assembly of the key ring 410 to the end cap 356, theouter periphery or outer radial surface 428 of the key ring 410 movesover an angled side 389 (FIG. 35A) of the projections 387 until thefirst axial surface 426 of the key ring 410 snaps past the projections387. The key ring 410 is now held axially in place by surface 391 (FIG.35A) of the projections 387 overlapping the first axial surface 426 ofthe key ring 410.

In reference now to FIGS. 37-39, further variations are shown anddescribed. Again, any of these variations can be used with the system40, including filter head 42, cartridge 46, and all of the otherfeatures. As such, the description of FIGS. 1-36 are incorporated hereinby reference as being usable with the variations shown in FIGS. 37-39.In FIG. 37, a filter system is shown at 430. The system 430 includes afilter head 432 removably connected to a bowl-filter assembly 433. Theassembly 433 includes a cartridge housing 434 and a removable andreplaceable filter cartridge 435. All of these features are analogous tothe features previously described, and those descriptions areincorporated herein by reference.

To help the filter cartridge 435 become centered relative to theassembly in the filter head 432, a guide sleeve 436 has been added on tothe top of the inner liner 437. The guide sleeve 436 helps to align thecartridge 435 within the inner tubular wall 438 of the adapter 439. Oncecentered, the technician servicing the system 430 will rotate theassembly 433, preferably less than one full turn to get the protrusions114-117 lined up with the slots 200 (FIG. 19) of the locking ring 178,allowing for rotation of the locking sleeve 180 against the force of thespring 182 to rotate the sleeve 180 relative to the adapter 439 and thelocking ring 178, thus moving the adapter assembly 186 from the firstlocked position to the second locked position. This rotation allows someaxial motion of the locking ring 178 and the filter assembly 433relative to the adapter 439 and locking sleeve 180. This rotation andaxial motion puts contact between the second protrusion 115 and thesecond ramp 232 (FIG. 23) in the second groove 222 through the slots 200of the locking ring 178. Continued axial pressure between the filtercartridge 435 and the adapter assembly 186 will cause the secondprotrusion 115 to move against the ridge 233 (FIG. 25) and cause furtherrotation of the locking sleeve 180 against the spring 182 relative tothe locking ring 178.

Finally, the sleeve 180 and the ring 178 are moved rotationally relativeto each other and until the fingers 194 are in axial alignment with thefinger-receiving apertures 238, which then allows the ring 178 to slideaxially relative to the sleeve 180 by permitting the fingers 194 topenetrate the finger-receiving apertures 238. This then puts the adapterassembly 186 in the unlocked position (FIG. 27) and allows thebowl-cartridge assembly 433 to be threadably connection on to the filterhead 432.

In preferred embodiments, the inner liner 437 includes a tab projectionarrangement 440. In this embodiment, the tab projection arrangement 440extends axially in a direction from a top 441 of the inner liner 437 ina direction toward the filter head 432. In the embodiment shown, the tabprojection arrangement 440 includes first and second tabs 442, 443projecting from the top 441 and on opposite sides of the sleeve 436. Ascan be seen in FIG. 39, the tabs 442, 443 are located about 180° apartfrom each other. The tabs extend less than 50% of the length of thesleeve 436 along the length of the sleeve 436. In one example, the tabs442, 443 extend between 5% and 40% of the length of the sleeve 436 fromthe top 441 of the inner liner 437. The tabs 442, 443 help to preventthe cartridge housing 434 from being connected to the head 432 when thefilter cartridge 435 is missing from the housing 434.

In reference now to FIG. 40, a variation to the locking ring 178 isillustrated. In FIG. 40, the locking ring is shown at reference numeral445. The locking ring 445 has all of the same features and functions aslocking ring 178, and the locking ring 445 can be used with all of theprevious features and embodiments previously described. In theembodiment of FIG. 40, the locking ring 445 includes two sets of ribs446-447. The ribs 446, 447 enhance the strength of the locking ring 445.The ribs 446, 447 are located along the base 448, which in theembodiment of FIG. 13, is planar at reference numeral 188. The functionof the locking ring 445 is exactly the same as the locking ring 178.

The above is a description of examples and principles. Many embodimentscan be made utilizing these principles. It is noted that not all thespecific features described herein need to be incorporated in anarrangement for the arrangement to have some selected advantageaccording to the present disclosure.

We claim:
 1. A filter cartridge for releasable connection with a filterhead; the filter cartridge comprising: (a) a first end cap defining afirst open aperture; (i) the first end cap holding a first end cap sealmember; (ii) the first end cap defining an axially extending neck havingan outer radial surface and an inner radial surface; (A) the first endcap seal member being held by the axially extending neck on the outerradial surface; (b) a key ring within and against the inner radialsurface of the neck and circumscribing the first open aperture; (c) atleast first and second protrusions extending from the key ring and intothe first open aperture; (i) the first protrusion being spaced from thesecond protrusion in a vertical direction along the key ring; (ii) thefirst protrusion being circumferentially spaced from the secondprotrusion along the key ring; (d) a tubular construction of filtermedia defining an open filter interior and having first and secondopposite ends; the first end being secured to the first end cap; (i) thefirst open aperture being in communication with the open filterinterior; and (e) a second end cap secured to the second end of thefilter media; wherein when the filter cartridge is connected to thefilter head, the first and second protrusions engage a lockout assemblyin the filter head permitting the cartridge to connect to the filterhead.
 2. A filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the firstprotrusion and second protrusion are located circumferentially spacedwithin 50° of each other.
 3. A filter cartridge according to claim 1wherein: (a) the first protrusion and the second protrusion are locatedgreater than 35° of each other; (b) the first open aperture of the firstend cap defines an inner diameter; (c) the vertical distance between thefirst and second protrusions is 8-15% of the inner diameter.
 4. A filtercartridge according to claim 1 further comprising: (a) at least a thirdprotrusion extending from the key ring into the first open aperture; (i)the third protrusion being circumferentially spaced from the firstprotrusion and the second protrusion; (ii) the third protrusion beingvertically spaced from only one of either the first protrusion or thesecond protrusion.
 5. A filter cartridge according to claim 4 furthercomprising: (a) at least a fourth protrusion extending from the key ringinto the first open aperture; (i) the fourth protrusion beingcircumferentially spaced from the first, second, and third protrusions;(ii) the fourth protrusion being vertically spaced from the thirdprotrusion and only one of the first protrusion or the secondprotrusion; and (b) two of the first, second, third, and fourthprotrusions are circumferentially spaced within 50° of each other; and aremaining two of the first, second, third, and fourth protrusions arecircumferentially spaced within 50° of each other.
 6. A filter cartridgeaccording to claim 2 further comprising: (a) friction-inducing structurebetween the key ring and the first end cap including at least one of afriction ring and a bump arrangement; the friction ring being between anouter radial surface of the key ring and the inner radial surface of theneck; (i) the friction inducing structure holding the key ring fixed tothe first end cap, and under rotational force, permitting the key ringto move rotationally about a longitudinal axis relative to the first endcap.
 7. A filter cartridge according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the keyring includes an axial end tip defining a plurality of circumferentiallyspaced open slots; (i) the slots for receiving parts of the filter head,when the filter cartridge is mounted onto the filter head.
 8. A filtercartridge according to claim 1 wherein: (a) the first end cap has aplurality of projections extending therefrom; (i) the projectionsengaging a portion of cartridge housing, when the cartridge is installedin the housing, to space the filter cartridge from the portion of thecartridge housing.
 9. A filter assembly comprising a filter cartridgeaccording to claim 1, (a) wherein the second end cap defines a secondopen aperture in communication with the open filter interior; (i) thesecond end cap holding a second end cap seal member; and (b) furthercomprising a cartridge housing; the filter cartridge being removablymountable in the cartridge housing comprising a bowl that is connectableto the filter head.
 10. A filter assembly comprising a filter cartridgeaccording to claim 1 wherein: (a) the second end cap is closed; and (b)a cartridge housing; the filter cartridge being permanently mounted inthe cartridge housing comprising a spin-on can that is connectable tothe filter head.
 11. A filter assembly comprising a filter cartridgeaccording to claim 9 wherein: (a) the bowl including a surrounding walldefining an interior volume, an open mouth, and an end opposite of themouth; (i) the filter cartridge being removably oriented within theinterior volume of the bowl.
 12. A filter assembly according to claim 11further comprising: (a) a porous inner filter support oriented withinthe open filter interior; the filter support including at least one tabprojecting radially inwardly therefrom.
 13. A filter system including afilter cartridge according to claim 1; the system comprising: (a) afilter head; the filter head including: (i) a filter block with asurrounding wall defining an interior volume; the block defining aninlet port and an outlet port; (ii) an adapter secured to the filterblock within the block interior volume; (A) the adapter having an outersurface circumscribing an inner tubular wall; (B) the inner tubular wallhaving an outer radial surface and an inner radial surface; (iii) alocking ring secured to the adapter; the locking ring having: (A) aplanar base with first and second opposite axial surfaces and defining acentral aperture; the inner tubular wall of the adapter fitting withinthe central aperture; (B) a plurality of fingers projecting from thefirst axial surface; (iv) a locking sleeve including: (A) a tubularwall; the locking sleeve tubular wall being against the outer radialsurface of the inner tubular wall of the adapter; (1) the locking sleevetubular wall having a plurality of grooves along the wall; (B) a collarprojecting from and circumscribing the locking sleeve tubular wall; thecollar defining a plurality of finger-receiving apertures; (C) thelocking sleeve being rotatable relative to the locking ring from a firstlocked position to an unlocked position; (1) the first locked positionincluding the finger-receiving apertures misaligned from the pluralityof fingers in the locking ring; (2) the unlocked position including thefinger-receiving apertures being in alignment with the plurality offingers in the locking ring, the fingers penetrating thefinger-receiving apertures to allow the locking ring to move axiallyrelative to the locking sleeve and the adapter; (v) a locking spring tobias the locking sleeve in the first locked position; (b) the filtercartridge operably connectable to the filter head; the first and secondprotrusion moving the locking sleeve from the first locked position tothe unlocked position.
 14. A filter system according to claim 13wherein: (a) the locking sleeve is rotatable relative to the lockingring from the first locked position to a second locked position; (i) thesecond locked position including the finger-receiving aperturesmisaligned from the plurality of fingers in the locking ring; and (b)the first protrusion on the filter cartridge is engageable with one ofthe grooves of the locking sleeve tubular wall to rotate the lockingsleeve from the first locked position to the second locked position; (i)the first locked position blocking engagement between the secondprotrusion and one of the grooves of the locking sleeve tubular wall;(ii) the second locked position including the locking sleeve beingrotated to permit engagement between the second protrusion and one ofthe grooves of the locking sleeve tubular wall; (c) the secondprotrusion on the filter cartridge is engageable with another one of thegrooves of the locking sleeve tubular wall to rotate the locking sleevefrom the second locked position to the unlocked position; and (d) thecartridge is movable axially into the filter head to push the fingersinto the finger-receiving apertures of the locking sleeve.
 15. A filtersystem according to claim 13 wherein: (a) the inner tubular wall of theadapter has at least two spaced longitudinally extending projectingridges and at least two spaced radial projecting ridges on the outerradial surface; (b) the locking ring includes: (i) a skirt extendingfrom the second axial surface; the skirt defining a plurality of openslots; the skirt having an inner radial surface and an outer radialsurface; (ii) a plurality of radial tabs extending from the inner radialsurface of the skirt; the radial tabs snapping under the radialprojecting ridges on the outer radial surface of the inner tubular wallof the adapter; and (c) the locking sleeve tubular wall defines a pairof openings; the longitudinal ridges of the inner tubular wall of theadapter being within the openings.
 16. A filter system according toclaim 15 wherein: (a) the locking ring includes a plurality of gussetsextending between the planar base and the outer radial surface of theskirt; and (b) the key ring in the filter cartridge includes an axialend tip defining a plurality of circumferentially spaced open slots; (i)the slots receiving the locking ring gussets, when the filter cartridgeis operably mounted onto the filter head.
 17. A filter system accordingto claim 15 wherein: (a) the locking sleeve tubular wall is between andagainst the outer radial surface of the inner tubular wall of theadapter and the inner radial surface of the skirt of the locking ring;and (b) the locking spring is around the locking sleeve tubular wall.18. A method of installing a filter assembly, including filter cartridgeand cartridge housing, onto a filter head; the method comprising: (a)orienting a filter assembly, including a filter cartridge and housing,onto a filter head; (i) the filter head including a block holding alocking ring and a locking sleeve; (A) the locking ring having aplurality of fingers; (B) the locking sleeve including a tubular wall, acollar projecting from and circumscribing the locking sleeve tubularwall, the collar defining a plurality of finger-receiving apertures; thelocking sleeve being rotatable relative to the locking ring from a firstlocked position to an unlocked position; the first locked positionincluding the finger-receiving apertures misaligned from the pluralityof fingers in the locking ring; the unlocked position including thefinger-receiving apertures being in alignment with the plurality offingers in the locking ring; (ii) the filter cartridge including a firstend cap defining a first open aperture; the first end cap defining anaxially extending neck having an outer radial surface and an innerradial surface; a key ring within and against the inner radial surfaceof the neck and circumscribing the first open aperture;friction-inducing structure between the key ring and the first end capto hold the key ring fixed to the first end cap; (b) while orienting,pushing the filter assembly against the locking sleeve to rotate thesleeve and move the sleeve from the locked position to the unlockedposition, aligning the fingers of the locking ring with thefinger-receiving apertures of the locking sleeve; (i) while rotating thelocking sleeve, the friction inducing structure permitting the key ringto move rotationally about a longitudinal axis relative to the first endcap; (c) axially moving both the filter assembly and the locking ringrelative to the filter head; and (d) operably connecting the filterassembly to the filter head.
 19. A filter cartridge for releasableconnection with a filter head; the filter cartridge comprising: (a) afirst end cap defining a first open aperture; (i) the first end capholding a first end cap seal member; (ii) the first end cap defining anaxially extending neck having an outer radial surface and an innerradial surface; (A) the first end cap seal member being held by theaxially extending neck on the outer radial surface; (b) a key ringwithin and against the inner radial surface of the neck andcircumscribing the first open aperture; (c) at least first and secondprotrusions extending from the key ring and into the first openaperture; (i) the first protrusion being spaced from the secondprotrusion in a vertical direction along the key ring; (ii) the firstprotrusion being circumferentially spaced from the second protrusionalong the key ring; (d) a tubular construction of filter media definingan open filter interior and having first and second opposite ends; thefirst end being secured to the first end cap; (i) the first openaperture being in communication with the open filter interior; (e) asecond end cap secured to the second end of the filter media; whereinwhen the filter cartridge is connected to the filter head, the first andsecond protrusions engage a lockout assembly in the filter headpermitting the cartridge to connect to the filter head; and (f)friction-inducing structure between the key ring and the first end capincluding at least one of a friction ring and a bump arrangement; thefriction ring being between an outer radial surface of the key ring andthe inner radial surface of the neck; (i) the friction inducingstructure holding the key ring fixed to the first end cap, and underrotational force, permitting the key ring to move rotationally about alongitudinal axis relative to the first end cap.
 20. A filter cartridgeaccording to claim 19 wherein: (a) the first protrusion and the secondprotrusion are located greater than 35° of each other; (b) the firstopen aperture of the first end cap defines an inner diameter; (c) thevertical distance between the first and second protrusions is 8-15% ofthe inner diameter.
 21. A filter cartridge according to claim 19 furthercomprising: (a) at least a third protrusion extending from the key ringinto the first open aperture; (i) the third protrusion beingcircumferentially spaced from the first protrusion and the secondprotrusion; (ii) the third protrusion being vertically spaced from onlyone of either the first protrusion or the second protrusion.
 22. Afilter cartridge according to claim 19 wherein: (a) the first end caphas a plurality of projections extending therefrom; (i) the projectionsengaging a portion of cartridge housing, when the cartridge is installedin the housing, to space the filter cartridge from the portion of thecartridge housing.